Article excerpt

Tucked away among the secrets of Oklahoma City's multi-billion dollar
health care complex is a fascinating little research center at
Presbyterian Hospital.

Not only does it attract the attention of the nation's major
pharmaceutical companies, it also attracts upwards of $1 million a
year in private funding. Money and certain economic benefits are a
part of the story. Equally important, the drug research carried out
here likely will have far-reaching effects on the health of people
everywhere.

At the moment, most of the 20 research projects under way are
concentrating on remedies for gastrointestinal problems.

The scientist-administrator who stays atop all these
investigations is Dr. Bill Orr, who heads the department of clinical
physiology. The clinical expertise is provided by gastroenterologist
Dr. Malcolm Robinson.

Presbyterian's drug research has generated over $1 million in
funding in less than two years.

"And you get that by performance," says Orr. "In all modesty, I
think we've achieved a substantial national reputation."

The drug companies seek out Orr and his Presbyterian colleagues.
The Oklahoma researchers do not approach the companies with hats in
hand.

"We're not an agent of just one company," the administrator
assures visitors.

Indeed, they are not. No fewer than 10 companies are awaiting
results from 16 separate projects. Among the companies are such
ethical pharmaceutical manufacturers as Roche, Searle and Warner
Lambert.

For Searle, the research center is testing a prostaglandin
compound for control of peptic diseases.

For Roche, a current study is gathering data on a drug that may be
helpful in the treatment of a common gastroenterological disorder -
irritable bowel syndrome. Old timers will remember the problemas
spastic colon. …